This March, we pit 64 Beatles covers against each other in what we call Moptop Madness.

Yesterday’s winner: Joe Cocker, “With a Little Help from My Friends” and José Feliciano, “A Day in the Life”

The Elite Eight. Sixty-four covers entered, but only eight remain. They are: The Black Keys, Jake Shimabukuro, Neil Young, Booker T. and the M.G.s, Johnny Cash, Elliott Smith, Joe Cocker, and José Feliciano. One of these will win it all. For the remainder of the contest, we’ll be eliminating one cover each day. These matches are big; they deserve to stand alone. Competition will be tough for every contest, so whichever team’s fans can get out the vote best may well prevail. First up: “She Said She Said” versus “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Here we go!

Listen to both songs below, then vote for your favorite. For added sway, try to convince others to vote your way in the comments. Voting closes in 24 hours.

Jake for 2 reasons:
1. He really makes it his own, showcasing his arrangement and instrument.
2. The original YouTube version of this, recorded and posted independently, launched his now pretty successful career. Shows how alternative distribution paths like YT and CoverMe can be viable avenues for true talents.